First Rifle

I am looking to purchase my first rifle. I am trying to kill many birds with 1 stone. I would say that its primary use will be hunting/target shooting. I am looking to keep cost down, so nothing crazy for the first time. I am apt to want to add bells and whistles to it to start or later on. So things like the ability to add a scope and bi-pod at good...although i would say a scoop is a must. I am partial to a detachable magazine, since if there is ever a need, and I hope there isn't I would like to be able to expand my ammo carrying capacity.

I have done a bit a research, and I am finding the Savage Arms seems to fit the bill for most things. But I though who better to ask them people that own and have likely fired more of these rifles then I. The only things I have fired are the various military rifles I used to fix while I was in the service, but no one is selling a legal M-249 or M-242.

So, in short what I am looking for:
Caliber:308
Magazine: detachable if possible
Scope: must be able to mount one, but if it comes with a cheap one I wont complain
Bi-pod capable: would be nice, but not required
Weight: light is good, but I would complain up to say 10lbs, most rifles are much lighter
Action: I would prefer bolt for cost reasons, but if someone can give a reason to pick something else I am open to suggestions.

both are good first rifles made by dependable companies. they are both also pre drilled for a scope and have sling swivels attached (so you can get a bi pod), and both can come chambered in .308.

one of these is where i would start. they may not be a Browning a-bolt or x-bolt, but they will serve you well for half the cost.

i went with a rem 700 in .30-06 because it was the rifle i wanted but i could have just as easily gone with anything made by savage. they are both known for being reasonably priced rifles that shoot accurately right out of the box with no modifications (after you add your scope of course).

ps- just noticed that you would prefer a detachable mag. i wouldn't get too hung up on that as that feature alone could add hundreds to your purchase in mods or buying a more expensive gun. for a reasonably priced bolt gun the internal box mag should do you just fine.

I would love to have an M1A, they are super awesome. Don't get me wrong I would love to have semi-auto, I am just saying I would prefer bolt action opposed to say lever action that some have suggested for a quick second shot while hunting.

As to the second post, I am not hung up on detachable mags, I would just prefer it. Like I said I am trying to kill many birds with 1 stone. If it drives the price way up, then I would forgo detachable mags.

One I am considering is the Savage Arms 10FMC Scout Specialty Series Rifle. Basically comes with everything, but sometimes that does not mean it is all good stuff.

Before you make a decision, check the laws in the state you will be hunting in as to allowable actions and calibers. You won't hunt in Pa. with a semi auto rifle. I highly recomend the Savage but some models don't have removeable magazines. they make some of the most accurate, out of the box rifles. If money is a consideration you may look at a Stevens, made by Savage and argueablly just as accurate.

I don't see anything in there about semi-auto, but I would never use and M1A to hunt anyways. To me that is strictly a target shooting rifle. Well, unless I am trying to shoot and entire herd of animals and they are all standing near each other.

One I am considering is the Savage Arms 10FMC Scout Specialty Series Rifle. Basically comes with everything, but sometimes that does not mean it is all good stuff.

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i think that one would do just fine.

not a fan of the barrel mounted scopes personally, but if you like that one go for it.

it has all the stuff you wanted except the detachable mag, which you said you could live without, and on top of that it has something you didn't bring up-a nice trigger. this is pretty important too as a crappy trigger can pull your shots off target.

and i hear the accu-trigger is supposed to be one of the better factory ones because its user adjustable.

sounds like you're going down the right path, good luck with your purchase...

(and don't let this thread convince you to buy an m1a for your first rifle . yes they are nice and i'd love to have one, but they cost about twice as much as the rifle you actually need for target/hunting)

also, bolt guns are more accurate than semi autos, just sayin...

edit- was just looking around on the site where i saw the rifle you mentioned and saw this one Savage Arms 11FCNS Hunter Series it looks like a better rifle for a better price (and it has a detachable box mag)

Or at least this sight says it does, although you selection he a slightly longer barrel which is better for long range accuracy. I think what I have gained from this is that Savage is not a bad place to start. I don't really find anyone that is say they are horrible and I will hate the rifle soon after I get it.

As far as the M1A goes, like I said I would love to own one. I think they are an awesome rifle. In fact, I have shot them before, since a few of my friends in the service owned them. For hunting I don't see is as practical. It is a tad on the long side to be moving around with, and it is over 11lbs before you add anything on to it. For hunting I would try to keep it below 42" and under 10lbs with attachments. I have played with longer heavier rifles at the range, and could not imagine lugging something that big around the woods all day.

So thanks again for you insight, and I will look at other rifles in the savage lineup.

Just curious why dont' you like barrel mounted scopes, and what other kind of mounts are there?

An external box mag is ok, but I know a number of guys that have lost them while hunting. The Savage package guns are a good deal. Look at the 10 series. They have an internal box mag. Another good rifle would be the Howa 1500 short action. If the SHTF a bolt gun w/ or without an external mag won't matter much.

I'd STRONGLY recommend you stay away from package deals. In the factory package deals they install the cheapest scopes they can. Instead just buy the rifle, mounts (bases/rings), and a decent scope. Decent scopes can be had for as little as 120-150$. If you go with a package scope sooner or later it'll "go bad" or you'll wind up replacing it anyway.

The reason I don't like barrel mounted or scout style scopes is it severely limits your field of view unless you have the scope turned down to a low magnification setting. Also it forbids the use of "regular" scopes due to the excessive eye relief when mounted scout style.

There are several rifles that will fit your needs, you just have to decide the features/looks you want. I'm positive that the scout rifle you're looking at is drilled & tapped for conventional scope mounting, as well as the barrel bases.

I agree with stalkingbear. If you go that way, the scopes included with the packages are Ok to just get you going but it's the first upgrade you want to make.

Since you live in CT look at Dicks Sporting Goods, last time I was there they had Reington SPS 700s on clearance in the high $400's and Remington is doing a $40 rebate on them. The varmint barrel SPS .308 is not a true heavy barrel, more like a heavy sporter weight and it's not a bad compromise for a hunt/target combo shooting gun. Excellent entry level rifle with plenty of upgrade parts available for 700s out there.

Hell, if you live in Conn. you could take a drive up here. I know where a Savage 110 in 7mm Rem Mag is that is new. It has Irons that need front blade, about $15.00 from Savage. They were shipped without front blades years ago. The rifle is 15 years old and never fired. $275.00 includes transfer. My FFL is semi retired and bought this rifle all those years ago. Looks like mine but w/ darker wood and iron sights.(no scope)